Report: Alex Bregman Turned Down Huge Offer From Tigers

The Detroit Tigers made a serious push to sign Alex Bregman in free agency, offering him a six-year, $171.5 million contract with an opt-out after 2026. 

Bregman’s camp countered with proposals for a six-year, $186 million deal with an early opt-out and a seven-year, $200 million offer without opt-outs, both of which Detroit declined. 

In the end, Bregman chose the Boston Red Sox, signing a three-year, $120 million contract with two opt-outs. 

The deal gives him a higher annual salary of $40 million and the flexibility to test free agency again, something he valued over the Tigers’ longer-term security.

Alex Bregman had his chance to sign a fat, long-term deal with the Tigers this time around. Decided on Boston. He turns 32 in April, 2026. He's going to get the bigger, better deal from Detroit, a year from now? This is a bit comical. Tigers will have moved on, definitively.

— Lynn G. Henning (@Lynn_Henning) February 18, 2025

Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris addressed Bregman’s decision without frustration, saying, “We want players who want to be here. We made a very compelling offer to Alex Bregman, but he chose to sign somewhere else. That’s fine.” 

Manager A.J. Hinch, who managed Bregman in Houston, spoke on the realities of free agency, stating, “I’ve been in this game a long time. It’s competitive. It’s a sport that is ever-changing.” 

Some players, including reliever Alex Lange, praised Bregman’s talent but remained optimistic about Detroit’s roster. With Bregman off the market, the Tigers will rely on Jace Jung, Matt Vierling, and Andy Ibáñez at third base while looking for production from offseason addition Gleyber Torres and a pitching staff led by Tarik Skubal and Jack Flaherty.

"I think the Tigers have the best offer on the table perhaps, I'm just not sure that's where he wants to go."@JimBowdenGM has the latest on Alex Bregman's market:#Tigers | #RepDetroit
🔗https://t.co/fGPbvbj8w4 pic.twitter.com/Qe8IQJOBYd

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) January 31, 2025

Bregman’s decision has sparked debate over whether the Tigers could have done more to land him, but the front office remains confident in the team’s trajectory. 

Harris and his staff believe Detroit is building something sustainable, coming off a surprise playoff appearance and making additions to strengthen the roster. 

While some reports suggest Bregman’s camp left the door open for future talks, it seems unlikely the Tigers will revisit negotiations next year.

Photo Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images